Editorials

Dodgers News: Brian Wilson Designated For Assignment



With the flurry of recent moves made by the Los Angeles Dodgers and their front office, the 40-man roster was in flux and overcrowded.

It was expected that moves would be made in order to cut the roster down to 40. With all the new players and returning players, it would be difficult to determine which direction the team would head in making the moves. With the Brandon McCarthy signing becoming official, a corresponding move was necessary.

In a conference call on Tuesday morning, Dodgers general manager Farhan Zaidi announced that right-hander Brian Wilson was designated for assignment.

The bearded reliever signed a one-year deal with a player option last winter and was a disappointment all season after being their best reliever down the stretch in 2013. In 61 games, Wilson tossed 48.1 innings and had a 4.66 ERA and one save. He began the year as the primary setup man to closer Kenley Jansen, but soon saw J.P. Howell and others in the eighth innings of games. Wilson missed some time early in the year due to injury that he said stemmed from the shortened spring training; however, he returned with similar results from before. Late in the year, the 32-year-old said that everything would be fine come playoff time, as he would ramp up his velocity and be the same pitcher he was the year before. He pitched in one game in the postseason, getting one out after allowing a hit and a walk. His velocity was about the same it had been all season.

With the bullpen additions of Joel Peralta, Chris Hatcher and others, Wilson became expendable despite his $10 million price tag. Wilson can now be claimed on waivers by another team, or be given his release after 10 days. It is unlikely that he accepts a minor league assignment.

Vincent Samperio

Vince is currently the Associate Editor and Social Media Manager for Dodgers Nation. Hailing from San Pedro, CA and a student at Cal State Long Beach, Vince has previously written for the Daily 49er and LASF Magazine.

3 Comments

  1. Knew this was coming one way or the other…….this management team has no ties to the guys Colletti brought in….

  2. Wilson was great in 2012 and was a key player for the Blue Crew that year. He was simply amazing. Last year was a bummer. After signing a big contract he got hurt and was never the same. It’s the right move letting him go. Still glad we picked him up the year before last. Solid. Farewell!

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